The Marriage House

The Marriage House

By Jill Briscoe

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ~ Matthew 7:24

Jesus said that if we do what He says, we will be like a man who built his house on a rock. Many people are building their homes on the sand, laying the foundation for their marriage on human love alone. They think, It’s love that makes the world go round: therefore, their love for each other will keep their relationship going. They promise each other that their love will last forever, but such promises are often like building a house on the sand.

People shift like the sand, changing their minds and their promises. We are sinful, fallible people and no matter how sincerely we mean what we say, we lack the necessary rock-like quality of utter reliability. Love – human love – doesn’t last forever. That is because it is invariably tinged with selfishness. We want our needs met, and when our partner doesn’t meet them, we look around for someone else who will. We all too soon forget the promises we made and start promising someone else our love if they will meet our needs!

No wonder the house falls down. Jesus’ Word is reliable; it will last forever and ever. When He promises us something, we can know He means what He says. What better foundation for the marriage house than wise words and sure promises? He promises us He is committed to our marriage relationship. If we are committed to Him and He is committed to us and to our loves, we can stand firm and laugh at the storm!

Lord, You have given me so many wonderful relationships in my life with my husband, my family, and my friends. Forgive me for the times when I put those relationships before You, foolishly thinking I could rely on human promises. Thank you for the lessons I learned when the sand shifted and I felt the pain of my selfish decisions. Keep me looking to You for Your wise words and sure promises in every relationship – especially in my marriage. Remind me that You are the solid foundation in my life, and I need to keep You in the center of everything. Amen.